Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Representatives Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., and Mark Pocan, D-Wis., today introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) entrepreneurs and small business owners to our nation’s economy. Murphy, Ros-Lehtinen, and Pocan introduced the resolution in honor of LGBT Pride Month, which takes place each June and celebrates the LGBT community in the United States and around the world.

According to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), there are an estimated 1.4 million LGBT-owned businesses across the United States operating in a wide variety of industries, including consulting, marketing, construction, legal services, and defense contracting. These businesses contribute more than $1.7 trillion to America’s economy. Since 2004, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce has been providing LGBT certification to businesses that are at least 51% LGBT-owned, managed or operated. These LGBT-certified companies report an average of $2.5 million in annual revenues. By comparison, a 2017 report by the National Small Business Association found that less than 40 percent of small businesses reported revenues greater than $1 million.

“I’m excited to join my constituents in celebrating Pride Month and to give credit where credit is due,” said Murphy, a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. “For years, LGBT entrepreneurs and business owners have worked hard to strengthen our economy and enrich our communities. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution with Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen and Congressman Pocan to shine a light on the many contributions of our nation’s LGBT job creators.”

“LGBT entrepreneurs and small business owners are the backbone of so many communities across our nation,” said Ros-Lehtinen, a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. “Stephanie, Mark, and I are proud to recognize the contributions of these individuals who are job creators and move our economy forward. Our country is strengthened when every profession reflects our national character.”

“LGBT-owned businesses play an important role in our nation’s economy, driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth,” said Pocan, a co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and the only LGBT-certified small business owner serving in Congress. “This Pride Month, we should all celebrate the diversity of our nation’s economy and continue working to break down the barriers to success that hold back LGBT-owned businesses. I’m proud to introduce this resolution along with Congresswomen Murphy and Ros-Lehtinen, and make clear our commitment to ensuring that our economy is open and inclusive for all entrepreneurs.”

"We are so pleased that this resolution affirms what we have observed at NGLCC since our founding nearly twenty years ago: that America’s LGBT business owners are driving our economy ever upward and deserve every opportunity to keep creating jobs and innovating our industries that benefit all Americans,” said National LGBT Chamber of Commerce Co-Founder & President Justin Nelson and Co-Founder and CEO Chance Mitchell in a joint statement. “The estimated 1.4 million LGBT business owners NGLCC advocates for and certifies as LGBT Business Enterprises have truly earned a place at the table of opportunity in both the public and private sectors. We thank Representatives Stephanie Murphy, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Mark Pocan for their leadership, and to all Members of Congress who believe in a fully inclusive economy that celebrates the diversity of America.”

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ABOUT NGLCCThe National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global not-for-profit advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses. www.nglcc.org @nglcc